Lovely. In a word, this wedding designed by SoCo Events just couldn’t be more lovely. Stop what you are doing lovely. Breath of fresh air lovely. The most perfect, understated, classic affair that has my heart singing from the rooftops – that kind of lovely. Best of all, BinaryFlips Photography captured every little moment in the most perfect of fashions – leaving us with a full gallery overflowing with the lovely we love most.

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From Jennifer of SoCo Events… Sarah and Ben met at a charity gala in Washington, DC, where they both reside.  The couple decided to marry at the bride’s county club, Mediterra, in her hometown of Naples, Florida. The bride wanted a Ralph Lauren style, blending classic and organic elements. We worked off of a neutral color palate of ivory, green, browns and coppers. Five stars became the logo of the wedding and could be found on the invitations, the welcome boxes, programs, cake, mirrored calligraphy menu, etc.  To the couple, these stars reflect a philosophy of life — “5 star” — that Sarah and Ben have developed and embraced from the time they first started dating over two years ago. To over-simplify, “5 star” is about getting the most out of each day, expanding your comfort zone and doing it all with the people you love. The weekend was modeled on this concept, with each day having a variety of different activities and events scheduled so that guests could create their own “5 star” experience.

The bride, a Vanderbilt University graduate, has a deep affinity for bourbon, and this lead served as the inspiration for a bourbon bar, which proved to be a huge hit with guests. Sarah and Ben wanted to pay close attention to details and and show their guests a great party.  After dinner, Sarah and Ben blew the crowd away by entering their first dance in character as Guns N Roses’ Axl and Slash to “Sweet Child of Mine”… air guitar and all. The crowd loved it, and no one left the dance floor all night!!

Wedding Photography: BinaryFlips Photography / Ceremony: St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, Florida / Reception: Mediterra Country Club in Naples, Florida / Event Design + Planning: SoCo Events / Flowers: Planned Perfection / Bridal Bouquet: Le Printemps / Wedding Cinematography: AMC Video / Wedding Invitations + Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Wedding Cake: Kakes by Karen / Wedding Dress: Rivini via Carine’s Bridal Atelier / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Hair: Sarah Barnes of The Rock for Hair and Nails / Makeup: Dani Taverna of Duality Artistry

Laura Hooper Calligraphy, SoCo Events and BINARYFLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY are members of our Little Black Book, Love what you see? Take a look at their portfolios.

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There’s just something about a fab seaside soiree that gets me every.single.time… saying your “I Do’s” with the sound of the ocean waves crashing in the background, the sun setting on the horizon and warm sand in your toes – does it get any more romantic?!?  Needless to say, this breathtaking Marco Island affair captured by Narrative Image Photography has a hold on my heart like never before.  Plus, with beautiful blooms by Signature Florals and the gorgeous stylings of the talented bride and Fabulously Chic Wedding Planning & Design, I predict a Monday of full of sweet swooning time for me and you.  Click here for more.

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From the Bride… I knew I did not want to go with the usual beach/island decor. Typically I like to stray from the norm and go with something that expresses more of my style. In general, I love the idea of vintage — the concept of reusing things that served a previous purpose or had a previous life. It’s nice to know that things can be reused and that whole concept of someone else’s trash being another’s treasure.

For the wine crate centerpieces, I was initially thinking of going with all vintage vases. I wanted them set-up in smaller clusters, which I had seen on wedding sites when searching for vintage decor. But of course I got to thinking and I wanted something a bit more different then that. I could only think of old wooden flower boxes or soda boxes, but then I realized that wine crates would be such a great idea. I had already decided to use the wine corks as the escort card holders and I figured the wine crates would be a great way to tie in the centerpieces. Plus, we initially wanted to have the wedding in Napa. Since we decided to have the wedding in Florida, I figured the wine crates and corks would bring Napa to us, in a way. Plus the boxes and corks were free/donated to me from my sister who works for a wine broker. Again, back to that whole concept of re-using things that had a previous purpose/life.

As for how I described the flowers I wanted to Sue, I wish I had some clever answer. But I don’t — it was all Sue. I more or less told her what colors and types of flowers I like — poofy flowers with some green, and she went with it. My dress designer was Galina, purchased from David’s Bridal. I saw it online and knew it was exactly what I wanted. It was the only dress I tried on, and I was in and out of the store in 20 minutes! We gave out Garrett Popcorn for our favors. This is a staple from Chicago. Most of our guests are originally from Chicago but no longer live there (similar to Andrew and me). We had fellow Chicagoans from Boston, New York, California, Seoul Korea, London — all over!  I wanted to bring something from home/Chicago that they could enjoy.

Wedding Photography: Narrative Image Photography / Wedding Venue: Marco Beach Ocean Resort on Marco Island, Florida / Flowers: Sue of Signature Florals / Event Design: The Bride + Courtney Shaw of Fabulously Chic Wedding Planning & Design / Event Planning: Courtney Shaw of Fabulously Chic Wedding Planning & Design / Wedding Dress: Galina for David’s Bridal / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Various Watters Dresses (Fabric: Crinkle Chiffon, Color: Falcon) / Hair + Makeup: Destino y Luz (Makeup_Priscilla@yahoo.com) / Cupcakes: Simply Cupcakes / Wedding Cake: Ella’s Cakes / Cakes Stands + Vases: Vintage / Favors: Garrett Popcorn / Mothers’ Dresses: Hanboks Custom-Made in Korea

There’s a whole lot of pretty, pretty details to adore in this charming Naples soiree by Aaron Bornfleth and from the the gorgeous gray and yellow color scheme to the beautiful blooms by Elaine Boucher and that fabulous feathered hair piece, I am completely smitten with each and every one.  But, what I am loving most of all is the adorable bride and groom and their beyond amazing wedding day story, which you most definitely need to/have to read below ASAP.  (Hint: The groom’s present to his lovely bride-to-be is gonna make you cry some seriously happy tears.)  And when you are done soaking in all of that lovely, there’s even more to smile about in the gallery, so be sure to join me there!

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From Aaron Bornfleth… Just before their wedding, Emily gets a present, delivered by her maid of honor, Andrea, from Josh, her very soon to be husband. His present to her (gonna be hard to imagine how he’ll ever top this one), was a journal he kept “to my future wife.”  She never knew he was writing it.  The first entry, June 2nd, 2009.  Their first date?  One month later.

Emily and Josh’s wedding was a real honor to shoot because Josh’s mother, Andrea is a photographer herself, and not a bad one at that. She helped them find me. And when I met her at the rehearsal dinner (that the family generously invited Casey and I to), she was all smiling eyes, gratitude, pride and a bubble of giddiness.

Wedding Photography: Aaron Bornfleth / Makeup: MAC / Wedding Reception Location + Catering: Quail West Country Club / Wedding Videography: Christina + James of InMotion Video Productions / Entertainment: Scott + Tina Dean of A Sound Choice Entertainment / Flowers: Elaine Boucher